Shifting from 1st to 2nd

JLarson · 03-17-2020, 07:46 AM

Personally, I love the RJM clutch pedal. While Spooler is right, it's not necessary, it allows you to modify the pedal feel to something you enjoy. Look for version 3.1+, easier to install and modify.

Prior to that, I had also tried the lighter helper spring, and it is helpful.

The Real JayZ · 03-17-2020, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011 Nismo#91

I must have stalled out the Z about 50 times the first few week I got it. I've driven manuals for the last 22 years from poorly maintained pickups to cheap "sports" cars all with difficult clutches in their own ways. The combination of a bit of cockiness, from said experience, and the light and high engagement point lead to a lot of initial difficultly getting the car to perform how I expected. I got better but would still mess up if not paying enough attention because clutch engagement was more about memory rather then feel.

TLDR
To improve feel I did 3 things.
Lighter helper spring did a little good but not very noticeable.
CSC elimination kit helped with the engagement point a bit.
Heavier clutch spring when I upgraded the clutch helped the most.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLarson

Personally, I love the RJM clutch pedal. While Spooler is right, it's not necessary, it allows you to modify the pedal feel to something you enjoy. Look for version 3.1+, easier to install and modify.

Prior to that, I had also tried the lighter helper spring, and it is helpful.

Great post!! I hope my RJM newest version plus South end clutch/flywheel combo that's waiting in the box for me. Just has a very bland feel for a sports car

JARblue · 03-17-2020, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011 Nismo#91

Heavier clutch spring when I upgraded the clutch helped the most.

mtec?

Spooler · 03-17-2020, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLarson

Personally, I love the RJM clutch pedal. While Spooler is right, it's not necessary, it allows you to modify the pedal feel to something you enjoy. Look for version 3.1+, easier to install and modify.

Prior to that, I had also tried the lighter helper spring, and it is helpful.

I guess I am just use to driving cars with difficult lightweight clutches. Nothing more fun than a heavy, light weight, and chattery/grabby clutch to keep you on your toes. Much needed for a turbo car or they just don't last long before they start slipping.

JLarson · 03-17-2020, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spooler

I guess I am just use to driving cars with difficult lightweight clutches. Nothing more fun than a heavy, light weight, and chattery/grabby clutch to keep you on your toes. Much needed for a turbo car or they just don't last long before they start slipping.

Absolutely, and the Z is totally driveable with the stock clutch, but if I'm comparing it, there have been other clutches I enjoyed a lot more. I like being able to tweak the height and engagement window of the clutch pedal. For me, the RJM was a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

Rusty · 03-17-2020, 02:21 PM

I driven everything from a 3 on the tree to 18 speeds with a split. I had to be able to jump in and adapt to it. The Z is one of the lightest clutch pedals that I ever felt. First time in it. I pushed the clutch pedal and thought is this thing is even working.

I installed the helper spring and it does improve the feel of the pedal. It's still a light pedal tho.

Spooler · 03-17-2020, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

I driven everything from a 3 on the tree to 18 speeds with a split. I had to be able to jump in and adapt to it. The Z is one of the lightest clutch pedals that I ever felt. First time in it. I pushed the clutch pedal and thought is this thing is even working.

I installed the helper spring and it does improve the feel of the pedal. It's still a light pedal tho.

Drive a Vacuum assited 300zxtt. They were light as a feather. Pump the pedal when the car was off an deplete the booster, you then got the real weight of the clutch. LOL
One of my favorite things about a real 300zxtt.

dave11 · 03-18-2020, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

I driven everything from a 3 on the tree to 18 speeds with a split. I had to be able to jump in and adapt to it. The Z is one of the lightest clutch pedals that I ever felt.

Maybe they have fixed it in the newer models. I never had any trouble adjusting to the clutch. The very first engagement was a little different, but after that it was just fine.

JLarson · 03-18-2020, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

I driven everything from a 3 on the tree to 18 speeds with a split. I had to be able to jump in and adapt to it. The Z is one of the lightest clutch pedals that I ever felt. First time in it. I pushed the clutch pedal and thought is this thing is even working.

I installed the helper spring and it does improve the feel of the pedal. It's still a light pedal tho.

Hah, yeah, so true. Recently, another forum member, Bmstitt, let me drive his stock clutch, my first time doing so since August of 2018. After driving my stage 3 + CMAK, I kept slamming his pedal into the floor. Incredibly light.

Rusty · 03-18-2020, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave11

Maybe they have fixed it in the newer models. I never had any trouble adjusting to the clutch. The very first engagement was a little different, but after that it was just fine.

I had no trouble using the stock pedal. I just made it better with the spring.

Joe@ZSpeed · 03-23-2020, 02:03 PM

The "jumpiness" is created by a few things.

The Dual Mass flywheel being sprung as well as the clutch causes more drivetrain lash (jumpy #1)
The Stock clutch is a self adjuster which causes a very quick roll over of the diaphragm spring in the clutch (jumpy #2)
The pedal has a assist spring which eases pressure with foot on floor, This is aggravated even more by #1 and #2

If you replace #1 and #2 with a ZSpeed clutch/flywheel package this all goes away

A lot of people blame this on the "Rev Hang" but in reality it really has nothing to due with how the stock clutch drives and also is not because of the heavy flywheel (this is ECM controlled) Old cars used to have "dashpots" on the carb which would slowly bring down the throttle.
The rev hang actually allows quicker shifts to the next gear as the RPMs are matched better.

TJSq · 05-17-2020, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe@ZSpeed

The "jumpiness" is created by a few things.

The Dual Mass flywheel being sprung as well as the clutch causes more drivetrain lash (jumpy #1)
The Stock clutch is a self adjuster which causes a very quick roll over of the diaphragm spring in the clutch (jumpy #2)
The pedal has a assist spring which eases pressure with foot on floor, This is aggravated even more by #1 and #2

If you replace #1 and #2 with a ZSpeed clutch/flywheel package this all goes away

A lot of people blame this on the "Rev Hang" but in reality it really has nothing to due with how the stock clutch drives and also is not because of the heavy flywheel (this is ECM controlled) Old cars used to have "dashpots" on the carb which would slowly bring down the throttle.
The rev hang actually allows quicker shifts to the next gear as the RPMs are matched better.

Hey Joe, I actually ended up just purchasing a stage 2 quiet clutch and aluminum flywheel from you after asking you for some suggestions. It feels way better so far and I can actually feel the clutch engagement with the CMAK. Once the break in period is over I'll see how the faster shifting is but so far just normal driving it shifts ten times smoother. Starting from a stop has also been greatly improved. All in all I love it and the trans rattle is in my opinion way better than stock, at lower RPMS there is some but at idle with the quiet clutch I can't even hear it where with stock it sounded like someone was making a nuts and bolts smoothie. I will definitely be sending all my buddies your way.

TJSq · 05-17-2020, 07:07 PM

Also jeez this thread got derailed, the original issue was when i was in sport mode and shifting from first to second the car would be in second and I would have to wait for what felt like forever for the RPMs to drop in order to release the clutch. Upgrading to a CMAK and an aluminum flywheel has solved my issues the car is way more fun to drive.

03-17-2020, 07:46 AM	#16 (permalink)
JLarson A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Media, PA Posts: 4,074 Drives: 14 Nissan 370z MR M6 Rep Power: 2684369	Personally, I love the RJM clutch pedal. While Spooler is right, it's not necessary, it allows you to modify the pedal feel to something you enjoy. Look for version 3.1+, easier to install and modify. Prior to that, I had also tried the lighter helper spring, and it is helpful. sx moneypit and The Real JayZ like this. __________________ 2014 370z Touring Sport Magma Red MT // BP Single Turbo 6467 // 63mm TB's // Z1 Ported Upper Mani // RJM Pedal // Zspeed Stage 3 Clutch // 526 WHP, 451 WTQ 2006 350z (Sold) // 1990 300zx (Sold) // 1985 300zx 2+2 (Sold)

03-17-2020, 02:21 PM	#21 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 34,865 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684436	I driven everything from a 3 on the tree to 18 speeds with a split. I had to be able to jump in and adapt to it. The Z is one of the lightest clutch pedals that I ever felt. First time in it. I pushed the clutch pedal and thought is this thing is even working. I installed the helper spring and it does improve the feel of the pedal. It's still a light pedal tho. JARblue and Spooler like this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

03-23-2020, 02:03 PM	#26 (permalink)
Joe@ZSpeed The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,304 Drives: Nissan Rep Power: 342999	The "jumpiness" is created by a few things. The Dual Mass flywheel being sprung as well as the clutch causes more drivetrain lash (jumpy #1) The Stock clutch is a self adjuster which causes a very quick roll over of the diaphragm spring in the clutch (jumpy #2) The pedal has a assist spring which eases pressure with foot on floor, This is aggravated even more by #1 and #2 If you replace #1 and #2 with a ZSpeed clutch/flywheel package this all goes away A lot of people blame this on the "Rev Hang" but in reality it really has nothing to due with how the stock clutch drives and also is not because of the heavy flywheel (this is ECM controlled) Old cars used to have "dashpots" on the carb which would slowly bring down the throttle. The rev hang actually allows quicker shifts to the next gear as the RPMs are matched better. JARblue, Rusty, Ghostvette and 2 others like this. __________________ Phone *937-506-7224* E-Mail Sales@Zspeed.com www.ZSPEED.com Last edited by Joe@ZSpeed; 03-23-2020 at 03:51 PM.

05-17-2020, 07:07 PM	#28 (permalink)
TJSq Base Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 45 Drives: 11 370z Touring M/T Rep Power: 9	Also jeez this thread got derailed, the original issue was when i was in sport mode and shifting from first to second the car would be in second and I would have to wait for what felt like forever for the RPMs to drop in order to release the clutch. Upgrading to a CMAK and an aluminum flywheel has solved my issues the car is way more fun to drive. Joe@ZSpeed likes this.

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